Chakotay's Logs: Alliances

Paramount may keep all of the foam rubber hair owned by the Kazon



** Personal Logs, Commander Chakotay **

"Alliances"

By Mindy



If you were to ask me what I disliked about the Delta Quadrant, I could probably give you an itemized list, with a painfully long description.

One problem is the fact that we can't repair our battle damage whenever we get into a skirmish. It seems that just about every time we turn around, especially within the last couple of weeks, we have been attacked by the Kazon. I have no love loss for this race, nor for that matter, does Kathryn.

She's about as battle weary as myself.

Hell, I've probably seen her hair down more the last couple of weeks then I have since the beginning of this voyage.

Things can't get any worse then this, can they? If things looked bad before, they were about to get ugly.

**

They came out of nowhere (again). The bridge already looked like a war zone. This blast sent Kathryn flying from her chair. They managed to knock all our engines off-line; no way to pull evasive maneuvers. Shields and weapon arrays were also feeling the brunt of this attack. They were off-line too. I told Kathryn that we'd best hope they didn't come back after us, for we were little more then sitting ducks.

Hull breach on Deck Four. No fatalities, yet. Paris volunteered to go down to engineering to give B'Elanna a hand. Navigational deflector also took heavy damage, which would have to be repaired before we achieved anything greater then thruster power. Kathryn wanted a list of everything that was damaged.

What is that credo? Never piss off a red head? This is true. Kathryn had retreated to her ready room. I noticed that this is her haven when something is wrong, not just an office. These attacks were beginning to worm their way into her being. It showed on her brow, the lines almost becoming constant. Her shoulders seemed to be carrying the brunt of ship and problems. And her eyes. . .

Never once had I seen her cry. I've seen the tears about spill over, but never had I seen her lose it. Every time a new casualty report came in, another fatality, Kathryn's eyes told me everything that the Captain's couldn't. In a lot of ways, that hurt more then the constant hammering. That's how I found Kathryn; standing in front of her viewport, arms crossed over her chest, staring into the blackness of space.

"Crewman Bandera is dead." Kathryn looked toward the ceiling as I said that. Each and every death she took personally, almost as she had been the angel of death. "The doctor couldn't do anything."

"I'm sorry, Chakotay. I know you were friends." It was something that I thought had sometimes went unnoticed with her; relationships among the crew. "Will you arrange a memorial service?" I think she believed it would be better coming from me, who knew him, once commanded him.

"I'll get right on it." I assured her. Unaware that I had something else to say, she began to sit on her couch. Before she had completely sat, she realized I hadn't left yet.

"Was there something else?" She asked.

"Yes. Like it or not, it seems we're in a situation where the rules have changed." I had moved up to the upper level. "And maybe, if we're going to survive out here, we have to start changing, too."

"What do you mean?" Kathryn asked, looking up at me. Her voice indicated that she wasn't about to like what I was going to say.

"When we first started our trip home," I began, sitting down next to her. "You made a conscious decision to treat Voyager as a Star Fleet ship with a Star Fleet crew, following Star Fleet rules."

"That's right."

"Star Fleet works well - in the Alpha Quadrant. But out here. . . maybe we should be thinking more like the Maquis." I could see the objection beginning, but I wanted her to hear me out. "The Maquis had to survive on their own. We were up against insurmountable odds. We had to create our own opportunities for success, because nobody was willing to help us. Sound like anybody you know?"

"If you're suggesting we abandon our principles, just because we're out of hailing range. . ." She began.

"Captain, this was the fourth attack in two weeks. We've lost three crew members to the Kazon. A dozen more have sustained serious injuries. This ship has taken so much damage, we'll be lucky to get warp drive on line again." That was the reality of this situation. There was, wouldn't be, any soft peddling of the truth. "And we can count on the fact that the Kazon will be back." I got up to let her ponder what I told her. At the door, I stopped and faced her.

"I don't think we can afford to keep doing business as usual." She looked at me with those blue eyes of hers, letting the words soak in. I met her gaze equally before turning and leaving her to her thoughts.

Keep doing business as usual, and there may not be a tomorrow for any of us.

**

I was on my way out when I heard Hogan confronting Kathryn about the latest string of Kazon assaults. You could have heard a pin drop with how quiet it became in that room. Though I like Hogan, that was a bad move on his part, standing up to her in that way, in front of much of the senior staff.

Oh, she began on the prime directive. But Hogan--his argument was almost what I had told her earlier in her ready room. She made it abundantly clear that she would destroy Voyager before handing any part of it over to the Kazon.

As she turned to leave, she passed myself and B'Elanna. She put out one final shot. "So that's how the Maquis would do it, hmm?" ad she strode out of the mess hall. This argument was far from over. I watched her leave, cast a quick look to B'Elanna and followed Kathryn.

She noticed me following her before I could even say a word. She held up a hand in a semi truce. "It's all right, Commander. I know Hogan's upset. He and Bandera were close."

"But that's not why he thinks we should give the Kazon what they want."

"I think I have made my position clear on that." She looked at me for a second. The debate was only just beginning.

"You have, but a lot of the crew feel they haven't had a chance to voice their opinions."

"This isn't a democracy, Chakotay. I can't run this ship by consensus."

"A lot of the Maquis feel that the Federation abandoned them years ago. You may be willing to die for Star Fleet principles," We had arrived at the turbo lift and had stopped. "But they're not."

"I can't believe you'd support that man's position."

"I don't. But isn't there something between your position and his?" Kathryn turned toward the wall and punched in her commands.. The doors opened and I followed her inside. She was not in the best of moods.

"Deck three." She commanded.

"All I'm saying, Captain, is that maybe there is little room for flexibility in interpreting Star Fleet protocols. Frankly, I'm not sure they were ever intended for situations like this."

"I haven't seen any evidence that they've let us down."

"Maybe this situation with the Kazon is the first example. Maybe we have to examine Star Fleets principles with a cold eye and ask ourselves if they're applicable here." I knew the protocols as well as she did.

"Computer, hold turbo lift." Great, I'd probably crossed the line. She was in full pissed off mode. She turned to me. "Commander, if you have a specific suggestion, please feel free to make it." I turned to face her, have it out in the open.

"Make a deal--an alliance."

"With the Kazon?" It came out as a whisper.

"With one of their factions, or two. If we had the Ogla and the Relaura as our allies, the others would be afraid to touch us."

"Nothing we've been through with the Kazon would lead me to believe they are trustworthy. I can't imagine making a deal with them."

"With all due respect, maybe that's because your imagination is limited by Star Fleet protocols. As captain, you're responsible for making decisions in the best interests of your crew. And I think you have to ask yourself, if you're doing that."

She continued to look at me, no doubt in shock from what I had laid out on the table before her.

I hoped to hell I hadn't overstepped my boundaries.

**

We all met later for our daily briefing. It surprised me when she announced we'd be making an alliance with a Kazon sect. Surprised the hell out of me. Especially after our last two conversations.

Neelix knew of a planet with faction known as the Pomar. An acquaintance of his owed him a few favors. He suggested sounding him out on an alliance. She told Neelix to proceed.

Harry, not liking this, half joked that we should make an alliance with Seska. B'Elanna piped up that it might not be a bad idea.

"You've got to be kidding." I said.

B'Elanna argued that Seska had been trying to forge an alliance amongst the sects, that she would jump at a chance with us. Paris agreed with her. I was blunt.

"I think it's a bad idea."

"You can't have it both ways, Commander. If you want to get in the mud with the Kazon, you can't start complaining that you might get dirty." Kathryn said. She was going in with her eyes wide open.

"Fine. I'll talk with Seska."

"No. You've been through too much with her." Kathryn told Neelix to get into contact with the person he knew. She turned back to me. "In the meantime, I'll make contact with Seska. Dismissed."

Kathryn was right of course. It would be better if she dealt with Seska. At least she couldn't do much to her. I'd probably be tempted to rip her head off. But I still didn't like the idea of her dealing with Seska or Cullah. As I got up to leave, I heard Kathryn let out a heavy sigh.

She wasn't taking this lightly.

**

Their reply was quick. They were willing to talk with us. Kathryn begrudgingly allowed them to choose the rendezvous co-ordinates. Kathryn started to turn away when Cullah made comment that 'he was looking forward to this opportunity'. If it were possible to leer through voice alone, he had it nailed down pat.

Kathryn looked at me and it was all written in her eyes. She felt defeated; that everything she upheld was gone with just that one conversation. I could only hope that my look back at her would reassure her.

**

Wisely enough, Kathryn kept me away from the dealings with Cullah and Seska, keeping me busy where I'd least be likely to run into them. She kept Tuvok with her. Good choice. Even though he'd never admit it, he's very protective of Kathryn.

The next time I saw her, she wasn't just mad; she was beyond angry. She was pissed. Apparently, Cullah was treating her like she was beneath him. From experience, I could say that was his downfall. Never underestimate a woman in command. She isn't just the captain, she wears the rank with honor. Obviously something Cullah chooses not to see.

Kathryn is nobodies fool.

Nobodies.

**

I reported back to the bridge, as we were on our way to meet up with Neelix. Kathryn, as well as I, were hoping that we had better luck then we had with Cullah and the Nistram.

But there was no sign of him, not within two light years of our position. Paris made the assumption that the Kazon had him. Tuvok was quick to point out we had no evidence to the contrary. Kathryn was out of her chair.

We were going to Sobrus.

**

There is nothing more unnerving then watching your captain pace. Her hand clasped behind her back, fingers unconsciously twitching. I'd say if she had been sitting, those fingers would have been drumming at her arm rest.

"All right, that's it. We're going after him. Mr. Paris, set a course for Sobrus, full impulse." She ordered photons at the ready. I called for a ship wide yellow alert. Harry interrupted; Kazon ships, heading this way.

"On screen." Damn, a whole armada, with their weapons powering. I ordered red alert. It never rains but it pours.

Surprise! It was Neelix. Kathryn's posture relaxed at the sight of our Talaxian. "What are you doing on a Kazon ship?" I asked him.

All would be explained over dinner.

Kathryn said she was looking forward to it.

**

Mavis, a member of the Trabe brought along another member of his group with him. Second time I'd ever been in Kathryn's quarters. We were having dinner. Mavis, the other, Neelix, Tuvok, Kathryn and myself.

He told us the story of how the Kazon had nothing, were slaves for the Trabe. All from the same home world. The Kazon were filthy, impoverished, mistreated, yet barbaric, crude, mean. Jailed, forced to fight amongst themselves. And they grew into an army. That every time the Trabe find a new home world, the Kazon attack and drive them away. Thirty years of hostility.

**

After dinner, the four of us met in Kathryn's ready room. Neelix explained that before the uprising, the Trabe were scholars and artisans that were greatly admired and technology that was amongst the greatest in the Quadrant.

No one really knew about the Kazon and how they were being treated. Kathryn wanted to know why not? Why didn't anyone know? Apparently, the once all mighty Trabe manipulated information about their planet.

I pointed out that perhaps the Trabe had learned their lessons, that they were sorry. Kathryn said the only thing we had in common was that we were both the common enemy of the Kazon. But I pointed out that the Armada that the Trabe had were better armed then the Kazon, with more ships. An alliance with them might be better yet.

We will deal with them on a basis of trust.

Now, a meeting with all the factions, plus the Trabe and us. I just hope this plan works.

**

Neelix informed us that someone was trying to sabotage the conference. Nothing sounded right.

"Captain, I think you should consider not going to the conference." I said. Too dangerous, as far as I was concerned.

"No. If I can help bring stability to this quadrant, I'm not going to walk away because of a rumor."

"A rumor that must be taken seriously, nonetheless." Neelix interrupted.

"Agreed. Commander, monitor all the Kazon vessels carefully. And look out for any suspicious ship movement near the surface. Keep us on a constant transporter lock so we can beam out at the first hint of trouble. Tuvok, Neelix; you're with me." I sat there after they left the ready room, feeling like I should be doing something more. I didn't like the idea of her where there may be trouble. Yet I was the one who had suggested all of this in the first place.

**

I was hoping nothing would happen.

I sat and watched.

And waited.

**

And it came.

"Voyager! Red Alert!" Kathryn's voice came through the comm, holding an urgency.

"We're on it." I said, initiating transport.

**

Another staff meeting. "There's no question we're more vulnerable now then ever. We have to take every measure to make sure we're prepared for an attack. I want continual diagnostics on all ships systems." She did a quick rundown of current status.

There was a lesson to be learned here. That we need to hold onto what we have. that the rules of the Federation were the best allies that we could have.

We tried my plan; it had failed.

But once again, Kathryn was right.

**End Log**



Return to Index